The Diabetic Mogul

  Rejoice Tsingano I can still vividly remember the pivotal moment in 2018 when I stood in front of the mirror and noticed something startling: my school uniform no longer fit as it once did. "Wait a second, did I just lose some weight?" I asked myself, drawing closer to the mirror to confirm. To my surprise and delight, I had indeed shed a few pounds—a goal I had long aspired to achieve. Little did I know that this unexpected weight loss was a signal of something far more serious. My name is Rejoice Tsingano, and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on August 8, 2018. But let me take you back a bit further. Two months before my diagnosis, I began to notice the first symptoms: rapid weight loss and a dramatic change in my complexion, which had become so light that people around me speculated I might be bleaching my skin. All of this unfolded while I was attending boarding school in Zvishavane during vacation lessons, preparing for my final O-level exams. Had I been at home, p...

Cover Image with the title   Living with type 1 diabetes presents challenges no matter where you are in the world. However, for those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the obstacles are particularly daunting. While high-income countries grapple with their own set of issues, the stark reality in LMICs often revolves around having to make impossible choices or, in many cases, not having any choices at all. This blog post aims to shed light on what it's like to live with type 1 diabetes in these regions, emphasizing both the challenges and the resilience of those affected. The Reality of Living with Type 1 Diabetes in LMICs 1. Accessibility to Insulin and Supplies: In many LMICs, access to insulin and essential diabetes supplies is far from guaranteed. Unlike in high-income countries where insulin is relatively more accessible, people with type 1 diabetes in LMICs often face shortages. This scarcity forces individuals and families to make heart-wrenching decisions, such as ...

Call to Action Introduction As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise globally, so does the financial burden associated with its management. Predictions from trusted sources like the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) indicate that the health budget for diabetes alone could reach over a trillion US dollars soon. This staggering figure is driven by various factors, including the lack of access to diabetes necessities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), leading to increased hospitalizations. Healthcare systems must pivot towards a model focused on prevention and effective management to mitigate these costs and improve outcomes for people with diabetes. The Financial Burden of Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic condition that, if not managed effectively, can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and amputations. These complications often result in hospitalizations, which are costly and strain healthcare systems. According to the IDF, t...

Women & Diabetes Symposium – Indonesia Introducing Our Guest Contributor: Anita Sabidi AnitaSabidi is an artist, illustrator, and designer from Jakarta, Indonesia, living with type 1 diabetes, cardiomyopathy, and asthma. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13, Anita has turned her personal health challenges into a mission to raise awareness and advocate for improved healthcare access. She collaborates with Indonesia's diabetes community organizations, such as PERSADIA, IKADAR, and the NCD Alliance Indonesia. She uses her creative talents to design educational materials and customized diabetes wear that help children and families understand diabetes better. Anita's dedication extends to organizing workshops and educational programs to address the unique challenges faced by people living with multiple non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Indonesia. Empowering Women through Awareness and Education The Women & Diabetes Symposium aims to increase awareness of the unique ...

  Background On June 22, 2024, we held a transformative co-creation workshop at the UNICEF offices in Harare, bringing together over 60 participants, including healthcare professionals (Medical Doctors and Nurses), school teachers, civil society organizations leaders, renowned NCDs Advocates, children and parents living with severe non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as Type 1 Diabetes, Sickle Cell Disease, Congenital/Rheumatic Heart Disease, and those impacted by  Asthma . This significant milestone marked a strategic shift in focus from communicable diseases to NCDs, highlighting the evolving health landscape and the pressing need to address these chronic conditions that affect many lives. Our primary aim was to build a supportive community, amplify the voices of those living with NCDs, and bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients. Introduction The workshop was more than just a meeting; it was a crucial moment for advocacy and collaboration. Participants en...

Coral, T1D since 03/16 Welcome to our guest blog, where we have the honor of featuring the insightful perspective of Shelsea Deng , a dedicated advocate for children with chronic conditions. In this compelling piece, Shelsea shares her journey advocating for her daughter, Coral, who was diagnosed with autoimmune Type 1 diabetes at a very young age. Through her experiences, Shelsea sheds light on the challenges faced by families dealing with chronic conditions in the education system. Shelsea, Coral & Kaila In your experience, how has stigma and discrimination affected your child's education and daily life? My first-born daughter, Coral, was diagnosed with autoimmune Type 1 diabetes at 15 months old on March 11, 2016, back home in Oahu, HI. Type 1 diabetes is very rare among Asians and even rarer in Native Hawaiians (we are part of the "AANHPI" community and also part Native American). Consequently, I have often been confronted with a barrage of questions and misconcep...